Educating minds and changing lives

Molloy Athletics Department Gets A Fresh Face

By Nick Crispino

Neither the new title of Assistant Director of Athletics for Operations nor the easy commute from Seaford to Rockville Centre had been the reasons for Matt Guercio's decision to apply for the job, but the prospect of working at Molloy College represented change in his life. After being employed for seven years as Coordinator of Athletic Operations and Special Events for Long Island University Post, Guercio knew he needed to get out of his comfort zone and take on a larger task.

"I had really outgrown my position at LIU Post. I was ready for a change, and it [Assistant Director of Athletics for Operations] was an opportunity that I couldn't turn down," said Guercio. His time spent at LIU Post gave him the tools and confidence to take on a grander role at Molloy College. Even though he left, he does credit LIU Post for making him the person he is today, "LIU Post gave me my start in this line of work, and without that experience I wouldn't be here at Molloy College."

While working at LIU Post, Guercio had managed the game-day operations of the school's fifteen NCAA Division II programs and managed dozens of NCAA championship events. Working with Molloy since July 22 2013, Guercio is still getting acclimated with the day-to-day operations. His job includes overseeing the staffing, set-up, operation and break down of the sixteen Division II teams at Molloy, assisting with travel logistics, ordering apparel and equipment for all the teams, and scheduling for practice, games, and events.Even on game day, Guercio has his hands full, stating, "I make sure everything runs smoothly." His tasks include contacting visiting teams and making sure officials have been accommodated when they arrive at Molloy and meeting the needs of the athletes, coaches, and sports spectators.

"It's a lot of follow-up that goes into an event; with operations you're the life line," said Guercio. His biggest challenge to date has been working at offsite facilities. Mitchell Field in Garden City is where the baseball team plays; the women's tennis team competes in Hempstead, and the softball, soccer, and lacrosse matches are played at the Dean Skelos Sports Complex in Rockville Centre. Fortunately, Guercio has help in graduate assistant Pat Brown and intern assistant Tyler Savin. "I'm very grateful to have them on board, they're both former student athletes so they understand the operational aspect of the Athletic Department," explained Guercio. During his time at LIU Post, Guercio established and instrumented the Athletic Operations Internship program and administrated the student-athlete recognition dinner, golf outing, and Athletic Hall of Fame.

"I'm looking to do similar aspects with utilizing different vendors to give the student-athletes, faculty, alumni, and all the people who support Molloy a tremendous experience," said Guercio."This is about them [student-athletes]; without them [student-athletes] I wouldn't be here right now." Having a bachelor's degree in Sports Management from Dowling College in 2003, Guercio worked at a law firm before committing himself to LIU Post. "Sports have always been a part of my life and family," said Guercio. He credits his uncle, who was a statistician for the New York Rangers, as an inspiration, stating "I would go with my dad to Madison Square Garden and see the players, general manager, and all the people in suits; there was something about it that wanted me to work in sports." With his lovely wife, Mary-Ellen, and a 7-month old son, Nicholas, Guercio is humble to have a career that allows him to be financially stable. "Molloy has a wonderful atmosphere and a great community. I'm very grateful, thankful, and honored to be a part of this institution."